Aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, has been gaining in popularity. Aromatherapy is using a plant’s aroma-producing oils (essential oils) to treat disease. Aromatherapy can also be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.
Essential oils may be obtained from a plant’s flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance (such as oil, alcohol, or lotion) and put on the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. Essential oils are not to be taken orally. Some essential oils may have anti-viral or antifungal properties. You can also massage the oils into the skin or pour them into bath water. Commonly used essential oils include lavender, tea tree, lemon, rose, sandalwood, and eucalyptus.
Is aromatherapy safe?
Aromatherapy practitioners do not need to be licensed in the United States. However, a wide range of licensed health professionals (such as massage therapists, nurses, and counselors) may have experience and training in aromatherapy. You can also search for a practitioner through the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. It is important to talk to your medical doctor to see whether aromatherapy may be helpful (and safe) for your specific health condition and if there is scientific evidence of the oil’s efficacy in treatment.
What is aromatherapy used for?
Aromatherapy may promote relaxation, help relieve stress, and improve mood. It has also been used to help treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. But so far there is limited scientific evidence to support claims that aromatherapy effectively prevents or cures illness. It may potentially aid with some symptoms. Essential oils can also be used to make natural cleaning products for household use, to make a room smell good, or for beauty purposes.
